In the Long Run

I recently celebrated a birthday that is one year shy of a “landmark” birthday—one that puts a person into that wincing category of being eligible for AARP benefits. I’m sure that as a teenager, I would have described the current “me” as approaching middle-age, showing signs of senility, and a definite customer for a cemetery plot.

But emotionally and physically, I don’t feel like I’m over the hill yet. In the last few years I have increased my physical activity almost exponentially. Because of the fitness classes I teach, and my own personal goals, some days I exercise for 2-3 hours. The benefits are that I’m stronger, and have more stamina and endurance now than in my more youthful past. Until a few days ago, I smugly thought I might be robbing Father Time of his youth-slashing scythe.

The reality check incident occurred after a match of my beloved pickleball. I partnered with my friend Bill, against Everett and Leonard, two experienced players who are practicing for doubles play in an upcoming tournament. Bill and I darted from side to side on the court, dinked winning floaters over the net, and even dove for balls that were spinning away. We were spry, we were nimble, we were adroit—we were downright youthful! We won a close game, and we were quite proud of our accomplishment. We graciously shook hands across the net with the other two players, and agreed good-naturedly when Leonard said he wanted to take our picture.

I teased Leonard, “I suppose this photo is for your collection of 'worthy pickleball opponents'!” He asked me to hold my paddle up a little higher, and replied, as he snapped the picture, “No, it’s to advertise the Senior Olympics.”

The scythe of time swung precariously close to the white hairs on my head. He thinks I am a Senior?! At what age is one eligible for the Senior Olympics? Maybe I AM a Senior! The confident smile I had assumed for the picture froze on my face, as the cruel realization hit home. Somehow I was not only “approaching middle age”, I was already being described as a Senior!

Since that occasion, I am resolved to come to terms with my age. After all, there will be no magical elixirs from a fountain of youth, and hours of exercise will probably only age me faster! I think I am making progress on accepting my stage in life, because today when the restaurant host asked if anyone in our party were eligible for the Senior Citizen discount, I barely even grimaced. So bring it on, AARP. Maybe you have some offers that I’ll actually be glad to accept in the long run.

Posted by Cyppy at 9:47 PM